On May 29, 2016, Marian Verlean Douglas heard the voice of God call her name. She walked in peace and joy in her spirit as the Lord beckoned her with outstretched arms.  In awe, she wept and bowed in worship as God said in His magnificent melodic voice “You are welcome, my good and faithful servant.”  With His hands, he touched her face and whispered, “Peace and eternal life I give to you.”  He presented Marian with angelic wings and the sounds of praise and worship moved Heaven and Earth as Marian was welcomed home.  Born in Kenedy, Texas on May 24, 1915, Marian V. Douglas was the proud daughter of Amanda “Maime” Green and Morris Douglas. Marian was the last living of her siblings, James Morris Douglas, Joyce Booker, Estella Buckner, and Maggie Manuel.   She was the loving mother of nine children:  Vivian Richardson (Ft. Worth, Texas), Geraldine Jefferson (San Antonio, Texas), Robert Hicks, deceased (Kenedy, Texas), Janie Mikes, deceased (Ft. Worth, Texas), Katie Mikes (Ft. Worth, Texas), Oscar Mikes, deceased (Kenedy, Texas), R.V. Allen, deceased (Kenedy, Texas), Diane Tapscott (Mira Loma, California) and Edward Douglas, deceased (Kenedy, Texas).  The count of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren who lovingly call her Mamaw and Big Momma continues to grow.    Marian’s history is deep-rooted in the city of Kenedy, Texas. She worked most of her life as a domestic worker, volunteer and was a life-long member of the Galilee Baptist Church.  The long talks, singing of hymns, worshiping God, laughter, words of wisdom and hearing Marian say “God bless you” will be deeply missed yet cemented as wonderful memories. Marian will be missed by all who knew and loved her.  Her soul is at rest.  Family and friends are welcome to visit on Friday, June 3, 2016 at 6 pm at Eckols Funeral Home. Home going celebration will be on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 11am at Eckols Funeral Home.  Reverend Rodney Robinson, Sr, will present the eulogy.  Interment will follow at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, Texas.  Reception will be held at the Karnes County Country Club in Kenedy, Texas.

J. W. House, Jr., of Brownsville, Tx. Passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2016, at Ebony Lakes Nursing Home in Brownsville at 79 years of age.

He was born September 29, 1936 in Rio Grande City, Texas, but always considered Kenedy, Texas home, and is where he will be laid to rest.

He was preceded in death by his parents J.W House, Sr, and Hazel Gibson House, his sister Christine Dunn, and brothers, Martin House, and David G. House.

He is survived by his daughter, Twila Young (Lloyd) of Brownsville, son , Carl David House (Sheila) of Elgin, and grandchildren Aimee Young (Claudia Garza) of Brownsville, and Keith Young of Austin,  brother  Lee House of Alice, sisters  Terry House of Alice, Laura Scheferling (Gordon)  of Freeport, and Mary Ann Reed (David) of Refugio, Tx.

On behalf of J.W., his family extends a heartfelt thanks to the kind and caring staff of Ebony Lakes Nursing Home, Dr. Juan Martinez,  and Pastor Karl Kessler for their  compassionate support and care in his final years.

There was a graveside service held in Kenedy, Texas on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at 2:00 PM in the Kenedy Cemetery.

Pablo G. Fuentes, Sr. Age 71 of Kenedy, TX passed away Friday, May 27, 2016 in Victoria, TX. He was born on January 25, 1945 in Kenedy, TX to the late Joe and Petra Garcia Fuentes.  He was a truck driver for many years, retired from Wal Mart in Kenedy and was a member of Floresville Christian Fellowship.  He married Janie Flores in 1972 in Kenedy, TX.

He is preceded in death by his parents Joe and Petra Garcia Fuentes.

He is survived by his wife Janie Flores Fuentes; daughters, Janette (Billy) Price, Amanda (Jesse Sauceda) Fuentes, Molly Parks; sons, Paul Fuentes, Jr,(Esther) Joe Lee (Melissa) Fuentes, Marcus (Janelle Jordan) Soliz all of Kenedy, TX, John McHaney of San Antonio, TX and Joseph Castillo; sister, Charlene Rangel of Kenedy, TX, 3 brothers Emilio G. Salas & Roy Salas, Sr., Felix Castillo, Jr., and 18 grandchildren.

A Prayer Service will be held Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 1:00 PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bennie Herrera, Jr officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Joe Lee Fuentes, Paul Fuentes, Jr., Daniel Fuentes, Angel Flores, Marcus Soliz, Filimon Bryand,III Joseph Castillo, and Billy Price, Jesse Sauceda, Joe Castaneda, Pete Flores, Daniel Flores & Matthew Fuentes.

Lorraine Tam Maley, 78, of Kenedy, died peacefully on May 17, 2016.  Lorraine was born on January 23, 1938 to the late John William and Helen Respondek Tam.  She graduated from Kenedy High School and married Paul James Maley on January 23, 1960.  She is the mother of three sons: Paul Maley Jr of Kingwood and his wife Barbra, John Maley of San Antonio, Mark Maley of Kingwood and his wife Jennifer.  Lorraine’s greatest joy was her grandkids Penny, Sean, Monty, Emily, Kash, Ben and her lone great-grandchild Zoe.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years Paul J. Maley, her parents John and Helen Tam, her sister and brother-in-law Val and Frank Krisch, her brother Daniel and her brother and sister-in-law Gene and Clesa Tam.

Lorraine is also survived by her sister-in-law Ellen Tam, nieces and nephews Gary and Cindy Krisch, Rick and Sharon Krisch, Donald Krisch, Terry and Lisa Tam, Mary and Jerome Liska, Patrick and Joy Tam, and their children.

She enjoyed her visits with her Pennsylvania family Tenny, Jerry and Mae Maley, Linda, Pete, Rege, Jerry, Sherry, Debbie, Christie, and great nieces and nephews.

Lorraine enjoyed attending church, driving her car and riding her lawnmower, feeding her family and baking cookies for her grandkids.

She made many solo trips to Houston and San Antonio to visit family and always traveled with God as her guide and coolers full of cookies. She will be missed.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Friday, May 20, 2016 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 10AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Norbert Hermann Officiating.  Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery.

Magdaline A. Gustafson, Age 70 of Kenedy, TX passed away Friday, May 13, 2016 in Victoria, TX. She was born on February 13, 1946 in Kenedy, TX to the late Arnold and Annie Decas Schulle.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, a retired teacher’s aide for the K.I.S.D. and a member of the Elim Lutheran Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband Edward L. Gustafson; parents, Arnold and Annie Decas Schulle and a brother, Martin Clifton M.C. Schulle.

She is survived by her sons, Derrall Gustafson and wife Michelle of Houston, TX, Kevin Gustafson of Kenedy, and a grandson Lincoln Gustafson of Houston, TX.

Family Visitation will be held Monday, May 16, 2016 from 11AM to 2PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Services will be Monday May 16, 2016 at 2PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Wally Schievelbein officiating.  Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery.

Leon J. Seibel, Jr. age 91 of San Antonio formerly of Kenedy died Sunday May 8, 2016. Leon was born in San Antonio to Leon and Fannie Watts Seibel, Sr.  L J as he was known in Kenedy was a bus driver, U.S. Marine, a  gauger for Texaco, a CB Radio operator, a Bowling Alley Manager and Locksmith.  “LJ” married Doris Goodwin July 1947 and she preceded him in death Mar. 27, 1983 & he is also preceded by his sister Katharine Parker.

He is survived by his daughters Shirley Tolbert of San Antonio, & Barbara (Bubba) Flowers of Pearland, Son Larry Seibel of San Antonio 4 Grandsons 5 great grandchildren numerous nieces & nephews. One sister-in-law Marcel Waggy of San Antonio.

Graveside Services will be held Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 1:00 PM in the Pleasanton City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the VFW in “LJ’s” name.

Mary Charlotte Rice Stern 82 passed peacefully at her home in Pettus on May 6, 2016 surrounded by her loving family.

Charlotte as she was known was born on Jan. 20, 1934 in Pinkard, AL to Jesse Ralph & Luta Jewel Gibson Rice. Mar. 29, 1958 she married Leslie Albert Stern.  She was a homemaker and veteran of the US Navy.  She enjoyed her family, embroidery, quilting and variety puzzles.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jesse Ralph & Luta Jewel Gibson Rice; Three brothers, Lee I. Rice, James R. Rice & Jessie F. Rice; Three beloved sisters-in-law, Melrose, Katherine, and Sara Rice.; and a nephew William Kreig Rogers.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years Les Stern; Her children; Jimmy (Vicki) Rice of Beeville, Becky (Carl) Lewis, Shelly (Mike) Martin both of Pettus, and Larry (Jon) Stern of San Antonio; One brother, Billy Joe Rice of Dothan, AL; Two sisters, Patsy Keane of LaPorte and Brenda Grizzle of San Leon, TX.; One sister-in-law, Judy Rice of Dothan, AL.  Her grandchildren Tiffany (Nathan) Mosley, Murfreesboro, TN, Jesse Lewis of Pettus, Jarrod Lewis of Charleston, SC Rodney (Diana) Luckenbach of Lovington, NM; Two great grandsons Brylee and Chance Mosley of Murfreesboro, TN.  She was always thought of as surrogate grandmother and loving aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.  She will truly be missed. There will be a memorial service Wednesday May 11, 2016 at 7:00 PM at the Eckols Chapel.

In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to Shriners Children Hospital.

Grace Manka Cooke age 90 of San Antonio died May 6, 2016 at her home is San Antonio, TX. She was born to Joe F. and Lucy Ploch Manka, Sr. Jan. 29, 1926 in Panna Maria.  She graduated from Karnes City High School in 1945 and married Emmett Cooke that same year.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Sisters Rosalie Dzuik, and Alice Merritt, and brother Joe F. Manka, Jr.

She is survived by her sons James D. Cooke of Austin, Bobby L. Cooke of Portland, and Michael (Mary Beth) Cooke of Salado. Sister Lorrine (Howard) Ponish of Uvalde.

Visitation will start Monday, May 9, 2016 at 1:00 PM followed by a rosary at 2:00 PM at the Eckols Chapel. Interment will be in the Kenedy Cemetery.

Rudy M. Gutierrez, Age 84 of Green, TX passed away April 30, 2016 in San Antonio, TX. Rudy was born on October 19, 1931 in Kenedy, TX to the late Marcelino and Aurora Ruiz Gutierrez.  Rudy was self-employed and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Marcelino and Aurora Ruiz Gutierrez; sisters, Aurora “Buddie” Vidaurri and Alicia Caballero.

He is survived by his wife Estella Davila Gutierrez of Kenedy; daughter, Leticia Riojas and husband Edward of Karnes City; son Roy Gutierrez and wife Jo Ann of Karnes City; grandchildren, Randy, Roxy, Robby, Mariah, Roman, Rhea, Crystal, Brittney, Amber, Zach and 12 Great- Grandchildren.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, May 5, 2016 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church at 10AM with Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating.  Interment will be held at a later date.

Geneva Treybig Smedley, Age 81 of Kenedy, TX passed away April 29, 2016 in San Antonio, TX. Geneva was born on September 3, 1934 in Nixon, TX to the late Albert and Meta Leubert Treybig.  On September 25, 1967 she married Joe M. Smedley, Jr. who preceded her in death.  She was a retired School Teacher after 39 years of teaching and was a member of The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband Joe M. Smedley, Jr.; her parents, Albert and Meta Leubert Treybig; and a brother, Alfred Treybig.

She is survived by her sister, Doris Wehmeyer of Stockdale; niece, Margaret Merritt and Husband Kenneth of Stockdale; nephews, Jim Wehmeyer and wife Janie of San Antonio, David Wehmeyer and wife Vicki of Stockdale, John Wehmeyer of Stockdale and her faithful companion of twenty years “Benny” the cat.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 3, 2016 from 5PM to 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 11AM at The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Pastor Wally Schievelbein officiating.  Interment will follow in the Treybig Cemetery near Gillette, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Jim Wehmeyer, David Wehmeyer, John Wehmeyer, Will Wehmeyer, Velmon Buehring, and Shelby Buehring.

Memorials may be made to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.